StanChart, Ucep to reskill pandemic-hit workforce

Standard Chartered Bank and Ucep Bangladesh have jointly launched a re-skilling and employment reintegration programme, in Rajshahi, for people who are economically vulnerable and have lost their livelihoods due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bitopi Das Chowdhury, country head of corporate affairs, brand and marketing at Standard Chartered Bank and Didarul Anam Chowdhury, director of programme and innovations at Ucep Bangladesh, among others, were present at the inauguration ceremony of the programme on Wednesday, said a media statement.

Under this initiative, Ucep Bangladesh is conducting a rapid needs assessment to identify the skill gaps in both the formal and informal sectors, and the opportunities created by the disruptions caused by the Covid-19.

Based on the findings of this study, demand-driven training programmes will be developed that will prepare participants with the skills to best meet current and future demands of the job market.

The graduates will then go through a job placement programme to complete their reintegration within the economy, the media statement read.

Speaking on the occasion, Bitopi Das Chowdhury said, "Our battle against Covid-19 has once again demonstrated the incredible resilience of the hard-working people of Bangladesh. Yet, to maintain our nation's growth momentum, successful reintegration of our workforce in the post pandemic economy will be crucial."

"After a series of initiatives that provided immediate support to vulnerable communities, we are now launching the second phase of our support programmes, which focuses on the development of a future ready workforce. We thank Ucep for partnering with us on this initiative that will not only provide our beneficiaries with the right skills, but will also provide job placement, securing their livelihoods," he added.

Didarul Anam said, "Although the pandemic has disrupted the global economy and health sector, it has offered many emerging opportunities in the domestic market, especially in the health care, agriculture-based trade and ICT-based service sectors."

"Standard Chartered Bank has been supporting Ucep Bangladesh in skilling and re-skilling the youth, especially females, in the range of demand-driven occupations," he added.

"Through this new partnership, Ucep Bangladesh will reintegrate the youth and young adults who have lost their jobs due to Covid-19 with wage employment through Recognition of Prior Learning assessment and re-skilling," he continued.